Polyesters physical

W. P. Gergen and S. Davison, Thermoplastic polyester/Block Copolymer Blend, U.S. Pat. 4,101,605 (1978). Blends of ABA block copolymers and crystalling polyesters. Physical IPNs with continuous interlocking networks. Selectively hydrogenated block copolymers. Thermoplastic IPNs of the block/crystal type. 

Besides carboxylates, esters of other biologically relevant acids have been used to synthesize PEG-based polyesters. Physical properties of PEG-derived polycarbonates have been explored since the 1960s [74-78]. More recent studies have focused on the degradability and cell interactions of these materials, but the PEG contents were low (<25%) [80-83]. Water-soluble polymers with higher PEG fractions have been prepared, but no degradation data has been reported for these [160, 161]. PEGs with a single carbonate linker were solely mentioned in patent literature [79, 84]. 

The physical properties of these fibers are compared with those of natural fibers and other synthetic fibers in Table 1. Additional property data may be found in compilations of the properties of natural and synthetic fibers (1). Apart from the polyolefins, acryhcs and nylon fibers are the lightest weight fibers on the market. Modacryhcs are considerably more dense than acryhcs, with a density about the same as wool and polyester. 

Standard polyester fibers contain no reactive dye sites. PET fibers are typically dyed by diffusiag dispersed dyestuffs iato the amorphous regions ia the fibers. Copolyesters from a variety of copolymeri2able glycol or diacid comonomers open the fiber stmcture to achieve deep dyeabiHty (7,28—30). This approach is useful when the attendant effects on the copolyester thermal or physical properties are not of concern (31,32). The addition of anionic sites to polyester usiag sodium dimethyl 5-sulfoisophthalate [3965-55-7] has been practiced to make fibers receptive to cationic dyes (33). Yams and fabrics made from mixtures of disperse and cationicaHy dyeable PET show a visual range from subde heather tones to striking contrasts (see Dyes, application and evaluation). 

Physical testing appHcations and methods for fibrous materials are reviewed in the Hterature (101—103) and are generally appHcable to polyester fibers. Microscopic analyses by optical or scanning electron microscopy are useful for evaluating fiber parameters including size, shape, uniformity, and surface characteristics. Computerized image analysis is often used to quantify and evaluate these parameters for quaUty control. 

Sucrose polyesters, which are made by esterilying sucrose with long-chain fatty acids, have the physical properties of fat, but are resistant to digestive enzymes (40). Olestra, a sucrose polyester developed by Procter Gamble, was submitted for regulatory approval in May 1987. In order to faciUtate the approval process, Procter Gamble has since narrowed the scope of its food additive petition to include olestra s use only in savory and extmded snacks. 

Extmsion of polyethylene and some polypropylenes is usually through a circular die into a tubular form, which is cut and collapsed into flat film. Extmsion through a linear slot onto chilled rollers is called casting and is often used for polypropylene, polyester, and other resins. Cast, as well as some blown, films may be further heated and stretched in the machine or in transverse directions to orient the polymer within the film and improve physical properties such as tensile strength, stiffness, and low temperature resistance. 

Glycols such as neopentyl glycol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-l,3-pentaiiediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and hydroxypivalyl hydroxypivalate are used in the synthesis of polyesters (qv) and urethane foams (see Foamed plastics). Their physical properties are shown in Table 1 (1 6). 

Uses. Phthabc anhydride is used mainly in plasticizers, unsaturated polyesters, and alkyd resins (qv). PhthaUc plasticizers consume 54% of the phthahc anhydride in the United States (33). The plasticizers (qv) are used mainly with poly(vinyl chloride) to produce flexible sheet such as wallpaper and upholstery fabric from normally rigid polymers. The plasticizers are of two types diesters of the same monohydric alcohol such as dibutyl phthalate, or mixed esters of two monohydric alcohols. The largest-volume plasticizer is di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [117-81-7] which is known commercially as dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and is the base to which other plasticizers are compared. The important phthahc acid esters and thek physical properties are Hsted in Table 12. The demand for phthahc acid in plasticizers is naturally tied to the growth of the flexible poly(vinyl chloride) market which is large and has been growing steadily. 

PEN film for audio- and videotape and various electronic appHcations and blow molded PEN containers for hot-fill appHcations are already being marketed in Japan. NDA is unlikely to ever become as inexpensive as terephthaUc acid but novel NDA-based polyesters will become available if a market need exists. One example could be the experimental polyester PBN (Celanese Corp.) this is the NDA analogue of PBT, poly(l,4-butylene naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylate) [28779-82-0]. It has a high rate of crystallization, faster even than that of PBT, and its combination of physical properties is weU-suited for injection molding. 

Amino resins react with ceUulosic fibers and change their physical properties. They do not react with synthetic fibers, such as nylon, polyester, or acryhcs, but may self-condense on the surface. This results in a change in the stiffness or resiHency of the fiber. Partially polymerized amino resins of such molecular size that prevents them from penetrating the amorphous portion of ceUulose also tend to increase the stiffness or resiHency of ceUulose fibers. 

CPA. Copolymer alloy membranes (CPAs) are made by alloying high molecular weight polymeries, plasticizers, special stabilizers, biocides, and antioxidants with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). The membrane is typically reinforced with polyester and comes in finished thicknesses of 0.75—1.5 mm and widths of 1.5—1.8 m. The primary installation method is mechanically fastened, but some fully adhered systems are also possible. The CPA membranes can exhibit long-term flexibiHty by alleviating migration of the polymeric plasticizers, and are chemically resistant and compatible with many oils and greases, animal fats, asphalt, and coal-tar pitch. The physical characteristics of a CPA membrane have been described (15). 

BP. These nitrile alloy membranes are compounded from PVC, flexibilized by the addition of butadiene—acrylonitrile copolymers, PVC, and other proprietary ingredients. Typically reinforced with polyester scrim, NBP membranes are 1 mm thick and have a width of 1.5 m. They ate ptedominandy used in mechanically fastened roofing systems. NBP membranes exhibit excellent teat and puncture resistance as well as good weatherabihty, and remain flexible at low temperatures. They ate resistant to most chemicals but ate sensitive to aromatic hydrocarbons. The sheet is usually offered in light colors. The physical characteristics of NBP membranes have been described (15). 

OC-Methylstyrene. This compound is not a styrenic monomer in the strict sense. The methyl substitution on the side chain, rather than the aromatic ring, moderates its reactivity in polymerization. It is used as a specialty monomer in ABS resins, coatings, polyester resins, and hot-melt adhesives. As a copolymer in ABS and polystyrene, it increases the heat-distortion resistance of the product. In coatings and resins, it moderates reaction rates and improves clarity. Physical properties of a-methylstyrene [98-83-9] are shown in Table 12. 

Ozonc-rcsjstant elastomers which have no unsaturation are an exceUent choice when their physical properties suit the appHcation, for example, polyacrylates, polysulfides, siHcones, polyesters, and chlorosulfonated polyethylene (38). Such polymers are also used where high ozone concentrations are encountered. Elastomers with pendant, but not backbone, unsaturation are likewise ozone-resistant. Elastomers of this type are the ethylene—propylene—diene (EPDM) mbbers, which possess a weathering resistance that is not dependent on environmentally sensitive stabilizers. Other elastomers, such as butyl mbber (HR) with low double-bond content, are fairly resistant to ozone. As unsaturation increases, ozone resistance decreases. Chloroprene mbber (CR) is also quite ozone-resistant. 

The physical properties of the reinforced polyester product made from chopped glass are Hsted in Table 1. The chemical resistance varies according to the composition but is generally good. Its principal uses in building products are for sanitary ware, eg, tub-shower units, and for panels, especially translucent or cement-filled types for roofing and walls of commercial or industrial buildings. 

Practical methods for synthesis and elucidation of the optimum physical forms were developed at Du Pont (13). The violets fill the void in the color gamut when the inorganics are inadequate. The quinacridones may be used in most resins except polymers such as nylon-6,6, polystyrene, and ABS. They are stable up to 275°C and show excellent weatherabiUty. One use is to shade phthalocyanines to match Indanthrone Blue. In carpeting, the quinacridones are recommended for polypropylene, acrylonitrile, polyester, and nylon-6 filaments. Predispersions in plastici2ers ate used in thermoset polyesters, urethanes, and epoxy resins (14). 

Some of the common types of plastics that ate used ate thermoplastics, such as poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) (see Polymers containing sulfur), nylons, Hquid crystal polymer (LCP), the polyesters (qv) such as polyesters that ate 30% glass-fiber reinforced, and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and polyetherimide (PEI) and thermosets such as diaHyl phthalate and phenoHc resins (qv). Because of the wide variety of manufacturing processes and usage requirements, these materials ate available in several variations which have a range of physical properties. 

The thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) adhesives must, of necessity, contain low gel content because they must be processable in an extruder. Most adhesives are relatively linear, with a functionality of 2.0, although small amounts of branching may be introduced, usually at the expense of a lower melt flow. Good physical properties of TPU s are obtained when the thermoplastic urethanes have molecular weights of 100,000 or higher (see p. 56 in [63]). Most TPU adhesives are based on symmetrical polyesters with a fast crystallizing backbone or a backbone slightly modified to increase the open time. 

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